Lead Co-Teacher (Infant Classroom)

Creative Scholars Preschool is a small independent preschool in the Bucktown neighborhood. We are a small, collaborative school where we believe that play and child interests drive learning and development. We strive to create a culture of collaboration and reflection among the staff where all staff members are encouraged to think creatively and share their ideas for the school.

We believe:

  • That child development is comprehensive and includes a child’s cognition, social and emotional development, physical development, and intellectual development.
  • That play is the medium through which young children learn.
  • That the classroom environment is integral in supporting the children’s growth and take care to create and maintain interesting and inviting spaces to play.
  • That families are partners in the development process and should be treated with mutual respect and understanding of culture.
  • That children are competent, creative, curious individuals with rights as citizens of our school and city.
  • In the integration of children from all backgrounds and development.
  • That relationships between children and teachers and children and children are central to learning.

We are looking for a lead co-teacher for our infant classroom

Teachers must be able to work in a collaborative and reflective team. Under the supervision of the Director, teachers are responsible for creating a warm and inviting environment and planning a curriculum that is responsive to children.

Teachers should have the following dispositions about working with young children:

  • Curious about the child’s perspective
  • Have an image of the child as capable
  • Take delight in children’s development
  • Show respect for children’s feelings
  • Understand child guidance in developmental context
  • Consistently communicate the worth of each child
  • Manage the group while giving individual attention
  • Model anti-bias practices and cultural sensitivity
  • Speak about children in a strengths-based, rather than deficits approach

When working with families, teachers should:

  • Build relationships
  • Seek to reflect family life in classroom
  • Communicate details of child development
  • Communication value of children’s play
  • Have genuine empathy for parent perspectives
  • Be self-confident and articulated when challenged
  • Present self as a professional ally of parents
  • Consistently communicate with parents

Other Requirements

  • Have an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
  • Have, or be working towards, a level 3 infant/toddler credential from Gateways
  • Preference given to applicants who are Illinois Director Qualified through DCFS

Salary is dependent on experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Required education:

  • Associate’s Degree

Please contact us at [email protected] to apply.